Certificate Program
Our Certificate is a microcredential designed to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of cultivating a welcoming environment for all of the AU community. It is offered in partnership with Wellstar MCG Health and other campus leaders. This certificate reflects the university's commitment to cultivating a welcoming educational environment that prepares our students to thrive in our global society as well as effectively recruit and retain our faculty and staff.
Certificate Information and Requirements:
- This free program is open to faculty and staff on all campuses, including Wellstar MCG Health, but excluding undergraduate and graduate student employees.
- In-person workshops will be available on the Summerville and Health Sciences campus.
- Virtual workshops will also be available for those located on satellite campuses.
- Participating employees must complete (3) core sessions and (4) elective sessions, each session is 1.5 hours.
- Participating employees must complete all workshops within 12 months
Contact Us
Institutional Access, Success, & Belonging
Health Sciences Campus
AA-172
Participant & Department Benefits:
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At the end of each Spring semester, there will be a ceremony recognizing belonging on campus, including employees who completed their certificate that academic year
- Divisions and Colleges who have a participation rate of 80% or higher from their faculty/staff by April 1st of each year will receive a special recognition
Learning Outcomes
- Increase awareness and understanding of belonging and cultivate a welcoming environment for the Augusta University community
- Enhance access to and participation in professional development opportunities
- Further interdisciplinary and inter-professional commitment of faculty and staff in institutional efforts
- Recognize and strengthen resource sharing, collaboration, and the development of strategic partnerships to increase institutional excellence
Recertification Information
- Certification is valid for 2 years
- Recertification will consist of completing 4 new elective workshops
Fall 2025 Workshops
Core Required Sessions
Emotional Intelligence
This session is an introduction to the Emotional Intelligence model. The session provides a framework to enhance your capacity to understand and navigate the complexities of the workplace using Emotional Intelligence.
Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil, Institutional Access, Success and Belonging
History of Augusta University
An engaging and thought-provoking workshop that delves into the rich history of Augusta University through the lens of trailblazers. Explore the remarkable contributions of trailblazers and uncover transformative moments that shaped our institution.
Facilitated by: Za'Cuan McNeil, Institutional Access, Success and Belonging
Belonging and Winning Teams
Successful organizations, offices, and departments, are like championship teams and value the contributions of every team member. Winning teams embrace belonging. This session will help your team embrace and create a desire to know and be known by others and fosters a deep sense of belonging in the work environment.
Facilitated by: Bernard Roberson, Wellstar MCG Health
Elective Sessions
Better Discourse: A Guide for Bridging Campus Divide in Challenging Times
Given recent events in the past few years, campuses across the nation have been tasked with the delicate job of navigating sensitive topics while protecting the freedom of expression of students, faculty, and staff. “Better Discourse” aims to arm AU faculty and staff members with tools and strategies to help create in constructive dialogues that unite rather than divide.
Facilitated by: Kristie Johnson, Institutional Access, Success, and Belonging
True Colors: Valuing Difference-Creating Unity
Uncover your unique personality strengths and explore how to use them to improve communication, collaboration, and leadership within academic environments. Designed for faculty and staff, this course applies the True Colors framework to foster greater self-awareness, enhance team dynamics, and support welcoming practices that contribute to student success and a positive campus culture.
Facilitated by: Kristie R. Johnson & Za'Cuan McNeil, Institutional Access, Success, and Belonging
Art of the South: The Morris Museum of Art Tour
In this introductory tour to the Morris collection, visitors will learn about the history and mission of the Morris, learn general characteristics about the museum’s permanent collection, become familiar with the themes around which the permanent collection galleries are organized, and gather a broad understanding of the development of Southern art.
Facilitated by: The Morris Museum Staff
Small Steps, Big Shifts: Cultivating Sustainable Wellbeing
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore what sustainable wellbeing looks like through the lens of wellness coaching practices. This session invites attendees to assess their current state of wellbeing, identify energy drainers and gainers, and design a personalized wellness vision aligned with their values. Through goal-setting exercises, mindset shifts, and practical tools, participants will leave with a renewed sense of motivation, a clear “why” behind their wellness intentions, and realistic steps they can take immediately. If you find yourself consistently falling into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking, this workshop is for you.
Facilitated by: Morgan Davis, Student Wellbeing
Pathways to Partnership: Connecting Campus & Community
At Augusta University, our commitment to community goes beyond campus boundaries. This course explores how the university connects, collaborates, and contributes to the broader Augusta community. Participants will learn about key partnerships, outreach initiatives, and the role faculty, staff, and students play in supporting local needs and fostering engagement. A highlight of the course is an immersive guided tour of the Center of Hope, a vital community resource in Augusta focused on shelter, recovery, and empowerment.
Facilitated by: Amanda Richardson (Community Engagement) & Derek Dugan (Salvation Army)
Intergenerational Demographics in the Workplace
This course explores the dynamic interplay of intergenerational demographics in the workplace. Participants will gain insights into how varying generational experiences shape workplace interactions and learn strategies for building meaningful connections. Through a panel discussion featuring Augusta University faculty and staff, attendees will hear real-life experiences and practical approaches to fostering a culture of belonging.
Facilitated by: Za’Cuan McNeil , Institutional Access, Success, and Belonging